Walter C. 'Skip' Martin

July 19, 2007

HAMPTON — Walter C. "Skip" Martin, 55, beloved son of Clara Speed Martin and the late Walter Martin of Hampton, passed away on July 17, 2007, after a lengthy illness.

A native of Hampton, Walter was a graduate of Hampton public schools, including Kecoughtan High Class of 1971, and went on to attend Thomas Nelson Community College and VA-Tech. He was employed by Eastern State Hospital for a number of years and in later life lived in Harrisonburg, Va., where he was employed by Tyson Foods. "Skip" always sported a ready joke and a hearty laugh and was well loved by his many relatives and friends.

Predeceased by his father, Walter Martin Sr., Skip is survived by his mother, Clara Martin; his sister, Eugenia M. Russell (Eddie), a niece, Lauren Russell, a nephew, David Russell, all of Hampton; aunts, Louise Webster (William), Helen Watts, Barbara Martin, all of Hampton, Margaret Long of New Rochelle, N.Y.; one uncle, Earl Martin (Annette) of Hampton; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 20, at the funeral home.

A celebration of life will be held at noon Saturday, July 21, at Queen Street Baptist Church, 190 W. Queen St. in Hampton, with the Rev. Anderson W. Clary Jr. officiating. Family and friends will assemble by 11 a.m. Saturday at 1429 Pembroke Ave. Interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at McGuire Medical Center in Richmond and the VA Medical Center in Hampton.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 895 Middle Ground Blvd., Newport News, or the Queen Street Baptist Church Capital Campaign.